Wood flooring looks great and is durable with proper care. Although they are susceptible to scratches, dents and moisture, hardwood floors can be refinished multiple times, often lasting the lifetime of a home.
Plastic laminate flooring doesn't look as nice as a hardwood or stone, but it can mimic the look for much less. Laminate floors are durable -- resistant to scratches, stains, UV light and dents.
Stone flooring including marble, granite and travertine can look very elegant in the right home. Stone is an expensive flooring choice and, unlike wood, must always be installed by a professional, adding to the cost.
Tile flooring is a less expensive alternative to stone and offers some of the same benefits and drawbacks. Tile is made from a clay or stone mixture. It's less absorbent than wood so it can be used in wet environments like kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms, but it can be cold and slippery underfoot. Tiles can also crack or chip.
Cork, linoleum and bamboo flooring are the most popular environmentally conscious options. Cork ($4 to $10 per sq. ft.) is harvested without killing the tree; it is inexpensive and works with any decor.
Although it is generally considered to be aesthetically inferior to laminate flooring, vinyl flooring is inexpensive, and tile vinyl (sometimes with a self-stick backing) is easy to install yourself